Praiseworthy: 4-H awards Gold Stars

4-H Club members and volunteer leaders from the Texas Panhandle were honored Dec. 3 for their outstanding contributions at the 54th annual Gold Star Banquet for District l at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

To qualify for the Gold Star Award, the highest 4-H honor at the county level, a 4-H member must be a least l5 years old, have completed three years of club work, be an active member and complete a record book, said Brandon Dukes, Texas AgriLife Extension Service 4-H specialist. 4-H is the youth program of AgriLife Extension.

“The award is intended to stimulate winners to higher achievement and to encourage other young people to participate in the county 4-H program,” Dukes said.

In addition, he said, the banquet is used as a forum to recognize volunteer leaders who pitch in whenever and whereever they are needed, such as participating in committees, providing leadership and helping build self-confidence throughout the 4-H program.

“Volunteers are the key to our 4-H program,” Dukes said. “We value them greatly. This is our one opportunity during the year to salute them and recognize volunteers from each county in front of their peers.”

The following Gold Star Award recipients were recognized by Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension district administrator, and Dukes: